No A/C, I'm sweating!
 

I have searched unsuccessfully for threads on this subject. My air conditioning has stopped cooling. A local A/C shop wants $90-150 diagnostic fee, applied to repair if work done there. I can replace the entire system for $150-200 from members in the sales forum here. Can anyone offer some advice on determining if I should pay someone to recharge my old system and pray, or just buy a used system here?

If you want to try recharging it first go to an auto parts store and buy the kit and do it yourself. $90-150 for just a diagnostic sounds high to me, and why the $60 spread?

My friend's AC in his vette stopped working. He just bought the kit, threw more refridgerant in, and now it works perfect. Get the kit with the little gauge thing.

-J

I'd definetely try recharging the system first. It will cost you ~$15 to buy the two cans of R-134 and hose to recharge the system. Of course, if you're out of refrigerant, that means there must be a leak somewhere. While you're at it, buy a high/low pressure repair kit (includes schrader valves and caps) which will cost you another $6 or so. If your car isn't cooling after a week or two later, you've got a leak somewhere or if it doesn't cool off the bat, your compressor is shot. Either way it will only cost a little over $20 to recharge it yourself and then you'll atleast know it's something more serious.

Thanks for the replies. I felt the same way about the $60 range. She said it just depended on the car. The shop specializes in A/C, and has a good reputation, but WOW! I'll definately try to DIY route. I used one of those Arctic things last summer, but it only cooled it a bit, and it is gone now. I'll check out the repair kit too.
I appreciate all input!